Mancherial: Yellampalli project, Gudem temple, Gandhari Khilla to become wedding destinations

The district administration has proposed converting Yellampalli Irrigation Project, Gandhari Khilla and Gudem Gutta temple into wedding destinations. The initiative aims to boost tourism, create local livelihoods and generate revenue, with plans for infrastructure, hospitality and eco-friendly facilities.

Mancherial: Proposals have been prepared to convert two lesser-known tourist spots and a major pilgrim centre in the district into wedding destinations to attract tourists, provide livelihood opportunities to locals and help the State generate income.

Officials said proposals were prepared and submitted to the government seeking funds to develop the Sripada Yellampalli Irrigation Project at Gudipet, the historic Gandhari Khilla or fort, and the ancient Sri Satyanarayana Swamy Devasthanam located on a hillock near Gudem in Dandepalli mandal as wedding destinations, considering their potential. They said a slew of amenities would be created for the convenience of visitors.

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Some of the core infrastructure, wedding-related and accommodation facilities proposed at the irrigation project, the 1,200-year-old fort and the temple include road connectivity, power supply, drinking water, parking facilities, Wi-Fi hotspots, open-air wedding lawns, banquet halls, stages, changing rooms, pre-wedding shoot zones, luxury tents, cottages, affordable lodges or homestays and restrooms.

Officials said hospitality and service facilities such as catering areas or kitchen zones, dining spaces, housekeeping, security personnel, CCTV surveillance and event coordination services would also be provided at the three locations. Aesthetic and recreational features including landscaping, fountains, decorative lighting, murals, boating, jet ski or adventure sports and a cultural entertainment stage would also be developed.

According to officials, proposed emergency and safety measures include first aid centres, emergency medical response facilities, fire safety equipment, evacuation plans and signage, and police outposts or coordination for crowd control. Sustainability features include waste management systems, eco-friendly décor, solar lighting, rainwater harvesting and eco-tourism initiatives integrating livelihood opportunities for locals.

The Yellampalli Project, built across the Godavari river at Gudipet with a storage capacity of 20 TMCs, offers a scenic waterfront setting. It has significant scope to become a destination for small and medium ceremonies and can boost rural livelihoods and create employment opportunities for locals. Currently, it records a footfall of about 10,000 tourists per month. It is located about 14 kilometres from the district headquarters.

The Satyanarayana Swamy Devasthanam, popularly known as the Gudem Gutta temple, is considered the Annavaram of Telangana and is surrounded by scenic hillocks. The picturesque temple could become a reliable wedding destination if the proposed amenities are developed. It is visited by around 25,000 devotees from different parts of the State every month and is located 31 kilometres from Mancherial town.

Gandhari Khilla is believed to have been built in 900 AD by tribal king Meda Raju, who ruled the region with assistance from the Kakatiya rulers, on the outskirts of Bokkalagutta village in Mandamarri mandal. The fort features idols of Kala Bhairava Swamy, Lord Siva, Lord Ganesh, Hanuman, the 10-headed Naga Sheshu and other deities carved out of rock.